dearshakti

Dark and mysterious, Esperanza for the evening

Impressive array of mainly rum-based punches to satisfy any hankering, from light to rich, sweet, fruity, herbaceous, creamy, tart and more. Sizes are simple (for 1), con un amigo (for two people), toda la familia (4) and royale (6). But the one for 2 people serves more like 4 servings, the one for 4 serves 8 glasses, etc. They do this so that you can enjoy more than one glass of these lovely flavor combinations.

We sat in the Pink Room (too hot) once and enjoyed watching cute female bartenders mixing each punch like  witches brew. So many bottles of housemade purees, bunches of herbs and fresh fruit. The main room is cooler (in both senses) and has comfortable throne-like chairs.
We have tried four different punches so far and each one was a winner. Top notch, you must go. We’ve averaged $40 each for punch only. Haven’t tried the food yet, it’s almost all meat or chicken, with one shrimp dish and one vegetarian. Cash only for now.

95 Avenue A New York, NY 10009-6107 - (212) 614-6818

Limelight Marketplace

4 blocks from home, the church-cum-nightclub-cum store liquidation sale space at 47 West 20th Street is now Limelight Marketplace.The new emporium will have gourmet and specialty food vendors a floor of apothecary products and sneakers as well as housewares and arts. I think that the more central location could give Chelsea Market something to worry about. Chelsea Market bakers operate industrial-sized ovens, the fish monger has tanks of fish, and other purveyors who serve the restaurant industry, but for average consumers who don’t have a delivery truck, Limelight is easier to get to.

What’s the one thing that could really put Limelight over the top? BATHROOMS! For goodness’ sake, with more than 30 places to eat HOW can there only be three unisex toilets at Chelsea Markets? Judging by the floor plans of the 1st and 3rd floor, I count 11 commodes. I know where I’ll be taking my next group of weekend guests.

Update: This place is too cramped. It is a stressful place with all the wares set out in easy-t0-knock over reach. It’s also too expensive for the neighborhood. Chelsea Market is totally different and has nothing to worry about.